“A Star Is Born” is the fourth Hollywood version of this tragic tale: Two talented musicians fall in love thanks to their undeniable chemistry on stage.
Lady Gaga’s character, Ally, is a waitress who doesn’t realize her full potential for stardom until Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper, who also directed the film) takes her under his wing.
Maine drunkenly stumbles into a Hollywood drag club after performing under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Even in a drunken state, Maine is seduced by Ally’s powerful yet angelic voice when she performs a French song, “La Vie en Rose.”
Unable to let her go, he convinces Ally to perform a duet of her original song “Shallow.” It’s an instant hit with the roaring crowd. This scene is the beginning of Ally’s uphill climb to fame while Jack spirals out of control — losing his music career in the process.
Besides the phenomenal cast and movie soundtrack, “A Star Is Born” won me over because it shows the audience a tired cliche in a fresh way: Only you can stand in the way of your dreams. Ally might not be the classic definition of beauty, but she is still a gorgeous and deserving star. Shame on all those who told her she wouldn’t go anywhere in the music industry with her “looks.”
The film challenges Hollywood’s idea of what it means to be beautiful and focuses on the success of a strong female character.
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper‘s chemistry in ‘A Star is Born’ could warm even the coldest of hearts.
